I haven’t exactly been, um, prolific these last few months when it comes to writing about entertainment. I could give you a long list of excuses, but for the sake of brevity we’ll go with a short summary: work, blah blah blah, writing stuff, blah blah blah, family enjoys hot food, blah blah blah, watching Real Housewives instead of blogging, blah blah blah.

However, I’m starting to see a little light at the end of the Oh Sweet Mercy Will The Responsibilities Ever End tunnel (and yes. that is in fact the tunnel’s official name.), so I thought I’d stick my toes back into the entertainment pool and talk a little bit about some shows that have been unexpected delights – to me, at least – during this TV season.

And on the off chance that you read my pre-season list of TV shows I was hoping to watch, get ready for some SWEET FANCY IRONY – because my favorite shows this year weren’t even on my radar when the season started.
Apparently my viewing habits are somewhat shifty and unpredictable.

All righty. Here’s are a few shows that have grabbed – and held – my attention so far this year.

1. Revenge (ABC)

The first time I watched this show I was bound and determined to roll my eyes all the way through it. I mean, come on. The Hamptons? A wrongly convicted father and a daughter intent on revenge? A wealthy family with a matriarch who enjoys standing on her balcony in her lingerie and gazing longingly at the (pretend) ocean? It had all the makings of a cheese-tacular, and since I had my fill of nighttime soaps back in the 80s, I couldn’t fathom that Revenge wouldn’t be 16 kinds of horrible.

But oh. I was wrong. I was so, so wrong.

Revenge is intriguing and campy and fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, borrowing generously from the Dallas and Dynasty playbooks (in a clever wink at its soap-y heritage, all manner of Revenge-related drama takes place at the Southfork Inn), and the fact that there’s one central plotline that runs through the whole season makes every single episode a cliffhanger.

I’m also of the firm belief that Madeline Stowe is perfection as Victoria Grayson, and I’d really like to see her and Lisa Vanderpump (RHOBH) have a contest to see who can wear a sleeveless silk dress and five-inch heels with more authority. IT WOULD BE EPIC.

2. Friends Re-runs (Nick at Night) (Yes. Friends.)

I know. I’ve seen every episode about 15 times. You have, too, more than likely. But ever since I discovered that I could see re-runs every single night right around the time when I’m trying to wind down and get ready for bed, I’ve gotten the biggest kick out of watching the gang at Central Perk all over again. I can’t even tell you.

What’s been so fun about watching this time around is that the show holds up so well. The jokes are still funny, the characters are still endearing (except for Janice), and the timing between all the cast members is impeccable. I recently watched the episodes where Chandler and Monica begin their relationship and subsequently hide it from the rest of the friends, and sweet mercy, people, that is some mighty fine and funny television.

I’ve been a fan of Ross, Rachel, Joey, Phoebe, Chandler and Monica since their first season in the mid-90s, but after seeing them them through new(-ish) eyes over 15 years later, it’s official: Friends is a bona fide classic.

3. Once Upon A Time (ABC)

I never intended to watch this show. In fact, the only reason why I tuned it at all is because I was trying to gear up for about 40 minutes on the elliptical motion machine, and I thought that watching a TV show might make the time go faster. I knew that OUAT was doing a marathon online, so I clicked over to it, set my laptop on a table, and hopped on the elliptical. Within fifteen minutes I was sick to death of the elliptical (what else is knew?), but I was hooked on Once Upon A Time. Who knew?

The premise of this show is pretty much everything I dislike when it comes to movies or TV shows: Arthurian fantasy, an alternate (fairy tale) world, a precocious child at the center of the action.

But all of those elements work beautifully in this series, not to mention that the sets are gorgeous and the costumes are out of this world.

More than any of those things, though, the acting is just great. I adore Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen, and Ginnifer Goodwin is fantastic as Snow White. Considering all the fairy tale elements, there could easily be lots of earnest overacting, but the cast is just great. I really do love this show – and nobody’s more surprised by that than I am. Once Upon A Time is difficult to describe unless you just settle in and watch, but once you give it a try? You’ll see that it’s a good ‘un.

What about y’all? Any surprises in your fall and winter TV viewing? Any new (or new to the rest of us) shows that you’d recommend?

193 Comments and 69 Replies

AngAK On Monday, February 6 at 5:17 pm

Agree—Downton Abbey is must see TV for us. I look forward to Sunday night TV and I haven’t been hooked to anything like that for a very long time. My hubby loves NCIS, but I’m getting very tired of it. I think the acting is “over-acting” and I’m so tired of Gibbs and his overly demanding character. And the personal questions that get asked, all the time, by everyone is just not proper in the workplace. I keep shouting at the TV–that’s not appropriate!

katearch1978 On Monday, February 6 at 9:18 pm

I thought I’d give Downton Abbey a try when I saw it on Netflix a few weeks ago. Ohmigoodness! I had no idea how much I’d love that show. I’m a die hard football fan and even skipped the second half of the Super Bowl because I couldn’t wait to see the newest episode. Love it!!

LoriH On Tuesday, February 7 at 6:50 am

So hooked on Downton Abbey too! It ends too quickly every week and it takes forever for Sunday night to roll back around!

sylvia cross On Tuesday, February 7 at 8:55 am

I watched all of Upstairs Downstairs,now Downtown Abby has become my favorite.Do you think that was really Peter?

Mary P On Tuesday, February 7 at 10:50 am

Love Revenge and definitely love love love Downton Abbey!! I personally do not think that was Peter. And, frankly, that whole story line and the actor that played it kinda bugged me – it clashed with the whole show’s style somehow. But, who cares, I still love it!

Suzie Z On Tuesday, February 7 at 5:32 pm

I LOVE this show and just received the second season in the mail…I am so excited. And I just caught the New Upstairs Downstairs and I like it also but of course not as much as Downton Abbey.
others I like:
The Finder (fox)
NCIS
and who wouldn’t like the beautiful Jim Caviezel in A Person of Interest.
that is about all i can fit into my busy schedule but Downton is the best.

Ellen Hindle On Tuesday, February 7 at 5:49 pm

Who doesn’t love Maggie Smith’s one-liners! This is such a fun show and, like katearch1978, I opted for Downton Abbey rather than the second half of the Super Bowl. I don’t think that that was Peter, either, and not for one minute do I think that Bates had anything to do with his wife’s death! On a separate note, I do get a kick out of Modern Family, though.

Kristy W On Tuesday, February 7 at 7:30 pm

DOWNTON ABBEY!!! Love it!! We don’t have cable so we are huge PBS watchers!! I just found Downton Abbey in December when I think it was re-running. I’m also a huge fan of Castle and Blue Bloods. Also, last night I got hooked on The Voice & Smash! It was hard switching back and forth between Castle and Smash!! I hate it when 2 great shows are on at the same time!!

Kelly On Wednesday, February 8 at 8:37 am

Addicted to Downton… I’m a huge fan of the 90’s versions of Sense and Sensability (I LOVE YOU ALLAN RICKMAN!) and Pride and Prejudice, so Downton is a favorite. Having a hard time staying with Once upon a time. Revenge is a never miss in the house, as is Pitbulls and Parolees. God bless Tia Torres and her family for taking in strays of human and K9 persuasions…

Hi Shira….I love Downton Abbey too…..I live in the U.K. Am wondering if you are watching the first series or the second series – we have also had a ‘special’ over Christmas with a great happy ending….hoping there will be another series soon or another ‘special’.
Over here we have almost as many advertisement breaks as you will have in the U.S. and I never watch it live – I record it so I can whizz through the ads and cut to the action.
Glad you like it.

I really love One Upon A Time also! I was surprised at how good it is. I started watching it with my daughter, thinking it would be a fun thing to do with her. It is, but more importantly, i would watch it even if she wasn’t interested!

However, the main character, the sheriff, isn’t my favorite actress. I’m not sure I care for her all of the time. Everyone else is just so darn awesome that it makes up for it.

I started watching to pass some time and I find the story lines and how they are all intertwined just fascinating I am not a big fan of the actress that plays Emma either but I LOVE to hate watching the Evil Queen!! Man I hate her something awful…she is so despicable Been a fun show to watch nice and different

Cherie B On Monday, February 6 at 11:53 am

Ooh I have to say I really don’t like Friends, actually I it’s Ross I don’t like!

The thing with Ross is that he’s actually a very sinister character. If you take his relationship with Rachel in isolation, it’s a good sketch of an abusive, controlling man.
He adores her, pines over her for years until he’s obsessed. When he finally gets into a relationship with her he becomes obsessive and controlling. He’s planned their life together, their children’s names, where they’ll live. He tells her what to wear with a view to making sure that she’s not attractive to other men (on her first day in her new job he tells her to wear trousers and a high neckline). He implies she only gets the new job because Mark wants to have sex with her. He goes to her work and makes a scene on several occasions, he phones up and bothers her, he accompanies her on work trips to stop her going with Mark and then falls asleep, he belittles her job, he sulks over her ex partners, he hates her working overtime and tries to stop her doing her job. He then shags somebody else and lies about it, deliberately trying to keep it from her. When confronted about it he says he only did it because he though she was sleeping with Mark, making it her fault he cheated. He never accepts responsibility for it, even lying about it (18 pages front and back, he never read them and lies about it in order to get her back into bed). He tells Carol Rachel cheated on him with Mark. Even apart he controls her. Doesn’t tell her they’re married, let’s her move in with him and has a baby with her but starts hiding messages from men who call wanting to date her. Drags another unstable woman to the apartment and humiliates her in order to make Rachel feel bad. But, that’s just with Rachel. He also lies to Mona, dates a student breaking his professional trust, screams in people’s faces, treats Emily terribly and on and on and on and on…

Bloody nobber.

Cathy On Monday, February 6 at 12:28 pm

I just had to write in to agree with you about Ross. He is definitely a Nobber and my least favorite character in the series. His woe-is-me, crazy, self-centered, sad sack weighed down a fun cast of characters.

Laurie in Minne *NO SNOW* ta On Monday, February 6 at 1:24 pm

Interesting take on Ross…not sure I really agree with it…but it’s interesting!

Faithdoc On Monday, February 6 at 1:54 pm

I do like Friends and have often watched it to wind down during my nightly ablutions, but I agree about Ross. He has an ugly temper. It was especially clear when he screamed and bullied Rachel when she was taking too long to get ready for his museum benefit. If someone is willing to treat you that way in public, you do not want to have a life in private with them. I wonder if the writers knew they were creating that kind of character or if they just thought verbal abuse was funny.
My family and I have started watching Eureka on Netflix. Absolutely wonderful. Funny, always a mystery to solve, and much better genius nerd humor than Big Bang Theory.

Toni On Monday, February 6 at 3:38 pm

Yup, you got Ross all sewn up, I’d say. I kept hoping that he and Rachel wouldn’t get together. Funny how the series writers let Rachel develop and blossom as a person,but Ross just got worse and worse cuz he WASN’T changing.

Still, I do agree about the series overall. I love it when I catch a re-run, and the antics there in.

Kelli G. On Monday, February 6 at 3:39 pm

Wow, I never looked at Ross in this light before but now i won’t be able to not think of this when watching episodes. This last weekend I just happend to watch the serious of episodes where he cheats on her and they break up. I fell in love with the show all over again and might have to start from scratch with NetFlix and episode #1. I’m sure there’s quite a few I’ve missed along the way.

The bonus is that Cougar Town is FINALLY coming back on the air next week! Not as good as Friends, but I still love it. PennyCan!!!

dew5502 On Monday, February 6 at 4:24 pm

Wow — way to overthink a sitcom!! Lighten up!

Lundy On Monday, February 6 at 8:09 pm

Let’s get real. It’s not just Ross. The whole show has bad juju.

Kathleen On Tuesday, February 7 at 6:03 am

dew5502 – It’s clear you’ve neither been in a relationship with an abusive person, nor known anyone who has. Americans are often guided in their real lives by television and movies, so making light of this kind of behavior shouldn’t really be encouraged.

dew5502 On Wednesday, February 8 at 1:21 pm

Quite the contrary, Kathleen, but no one should use television or movies for life guidance. And if you want to cite abusive shows, how about Toddlers and Tiaras or Dance Moms, which are billed as “reality shows?”? The character of Ross on a SITCOM was just a goofy nerd in love.

Mel R On Monday, February 6 at 5:10 pm

Lori On Monday, February 6 at 12:00 pm

You just named 2 of my favorite shows right now!!! Revenge and Once Upon A Time are amazing!!! My husband watches Once Upon A Time with me so even men can grow to love it…..well, not all men. I can’t see Marlboro Man catching an episode lol. =)

Check out Grimm!!! I agree with Pat, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do.

gaelowyn On Monday, February 6 at 2:20 pm

I also HIGHLY recommend Grimm. I’m really enjoying it. It’s darker then OUAT as far as ‘fairy tale’ themed goes, and it stands alone pretty well on the police/crime drama front too. And the lead’s not too bad to look at!

Michele Mc On Tuesday, February 7 at 7:50 pm

These are also two of my new favorites. Grimm is great (love that dark hair and blue eyes on the lead!), and after screening a few eps of OUAT, we now watch it as a family. My girls love it.

Brenda L.W. On Wednesday, February 8 at 11:28 am

I’m a huge Grimm fan! Once Upon a Time is also a do not miss.
Others that can be found on my dvr: Grey’s Anatomy. Parenthood. Walking Dead (it’s back the 12th). Big Bang Theory. Finder. Bones. Gold Rush. Raising Hope and New Girl.

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Linda Bozyone On Monday, February 6 at 12:04 pm

I LOVE,LOVE, LOVE Revenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is one of the best shows on tv in a long time.

Nancy L. On Monday, February 6 at 7:20 pm

I agree!!! I am sooo disappointed during the weeks it isn’t on. I was hooked from the first episode and can’t wait to see what comes next!!

Melissa D. On Tuesday, February 7 at 10:46 pm

Ditto! LOVE Revenge!!!! I also can’t stand the wait for new episodes. In fact, I have went back and watched episode 1 (the first 10-15 minutes in particular) to see if I can pinpoint any clues as to who, what, where, when, why … ready for tomorrow night’s episode!!!

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beautifulbeautiful On Monday, February 6 at 12:04 pm

Parks and Recreation is the most endearingly funny thing on TV! Best ensemble since Frasier and Cheers. I am madly, deeply in love with that show.

Amanda On Monday, February 6 at 2:27 pm

I absolutely love P&R! I am always sad if I miss an episode and make it up as soon as I can. I have followed this show since season 1 and I am excited that it gets better each season. Such a great cast and great writing! Always has me laughing to tears!

Rene On Monday, February 6 at 3:05 pm

Agreed. I was a Office fan and a 30Rock fan but Parks and Rec is my current fav. Have stuck with it since the begining.

Michele Mc On Tuesday, February 7 at 7:53 pm

Love P and R! It “literally” is one of the best comedies in awhile. Fantastic characters.

Jenneu On Wednesday, February 8 at 7:05 pm

P&R is awesome sauce!

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beautifulbeautiful On Monday, February 6 at 12:08 pm

Allow me to add that Parks and Rec surprised me because I checked out the first episode of the first season years ago and didn’t like it much then. I tried it again at the end of the 2nd season and it’s heads and shoulders better. 3rd season was absolutely great and now the 4th season is shaping up to be as good if not better. Totally zany with the biggest heart, too.

Kris Taylor On Monday, February 6 at 12:09 pm

I adore OUAT, and also like Grimm, which follows along the same lines, but takes place all in present day and is a bit…grim. But still intriguing.

Alcatraz is excellent-Lost-like but much easier to follow, and who doesn’t love Sam Neill?

Yes, Person of Interest is also wonderful.

Both Alcatraz and Person of Interest have actors from Lost in their casts (Hurley and Ben, respectively) and both do an incredible job.

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beautifulbeautiful On Monday, February 6 at 12:14 pm

Allow me to add that Parks and Rec surprised me because I didn’t like the first episode and didn’t watch it again until towards the end of the 2nd season. It got heads and shoulders better! 4th season is shaping up to be as good as the 3rd.

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dustoffmom On Monday, February 6 at 12:16 pm

I’m not a ‘huge’ TV watcher as a norm and have to say I abhor sitcoms. Nope, Never ever seen an episode of Friends, Fraser, Raymond…none of them. Haven’t missed Meet the Press though in likely 30+ years, so there ya go…..weird I know. That said….I adore Revenge myself and would not miss Once Upon. Join those to The Good Wife and Blue Bloods and my week is complete. But add in Survivor some and Amazing Race and my DVR is happy. I’m always late to the party where this stuff is concerned but for some reason Revenge and Once Upon caught my eye in previews and I’ve been hooked ever since. Great escapism indeed!!

Oh my gosh! No sitcoms?! Check out Parks and Rec (or early episodes of The Office)… no laugh track or audience to “tell” you when to laugh and it’s genuinely hilarious! And yes, The Good Wife is such a smart show. Love it. Just watched Smash last night (premier episode) and it was so good–for those of us who love musical theater

Lisa Sherrick On Monday, February 6 at 12:22 pm

Love, Love, LOVE Once Upon a Time! We have to watch it online now, because our local television providers have decided to try to be highway robbers and have blacked us out on DISH, but we’re slowly but surely catching up! I sure hope they come back for another season!

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Jessica H. On Monday, February 6 at 12:27 pm

2 Broke Girls is sassy but really funny.

BBO On Monday, February 6 at 8:54 pm

For sure–love that show! And New Girl too..I totally need funny & light, my life is way too serious.

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Cindy Hilliard On Monday, February 6 at 12:29 pm

LOVE Once Upon a Time! My husband and daughter watch it too. I was bothered by Mary Margaret and David “messing around” since he is married-BUT my husband assures me that we will find out that he is not married and the “wife” was just hired by the evil queen to “mess” things up. Lots of messing going on in Storybrooke!

Downton Abbey and Person of Interest are my husband’s and my favorites this year too! We absolutely love both of them.

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Becky Miller On Monday, February 6 at 12:46 pm

It’s the middle of the second season, but you MUST catch up with and watch Downton Abby! The costumes, the acting, the scenery, the stories!! All fabulous!

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Deanne G On Monday, February 6 at 12:48 pm

I am loving OUAT as well. Our favorites so far:

New Girl – funny, funny, funny…can’t say enough!
Raising Hope – I need to rent the first season but this season, hilarious!
Person of Interest – way good
A Gifted Man – way good too
Blue Bloods – 2nd season even better
Fringe – we have watched from the beginning and LOVE IT!

Of course, both NCIS shows and Hawaii Five-O, our top favorites…

I’m actually now watching Alcatraz as well. Can you tell we Tivo??

katearch1978 On Monday, February 6 at 9:21 pm

Deanne – If you have Netflix you can watch season 1 of Raising Hope. I was down with the sickies a few months back and watched the entire season in one day and was really bummed that I didn’t have any more to watch. It is such a funny show!

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Cary S. On Monday, February 6 at 12:52 pm

I love Once Upon a Time, too. And, I am surprised, it is not really my taste for the same reasons you list, but, it’s the mystery that I love. I love mystery, not gore, mystery. I like Castle. Nathan Fillion is so funny.

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jill m. On Monday, February 6 at 12:53 pm

Suburgatory – funny & weird.
Also caught the pilot for “Touch” which starts in March – awesome.

Laura K On Friday, February 10 at 12:11 am

I’m actually not much of a TV watcher. HOWEVER I’ve gotten into three shows this year and am really enjoying them.
Castle–which, I know, isn’t new, but I’ve never tried and and now I’m hooked.
Unforgettable–it’s just intriguing this idea of a woman with perfect photographic memory and I love it.
Person of Interest–again, such an intriguing premise, so paranoid. And yet they don’t really go with the paranoia. They just realize something bad is going to happen to someone soon, often from bits and pieces of unconnected knowledge gained in this ‘everyone is being watched by homeland security’ system. And they set out to save whoever is in danger. I really like it.

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Kelly On Monday, February 6 at 12:58 pm

LOVE Revenge!!
The Firm is also very good.
And I really like Switched at Birth on ABC Family.
LOVE Hot in Cleveland, too…. Betty White is the best!

Isn’t DVR the greatest invention ?!?! I don’t feel as bad watching so much TV when I can skip the commercials! Can watch 3 one-hour long episodes in the time it takes to watch a movie!

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linda jean On Monday, February 6 at 12:59 pm

Best TV, Downton Abbey, the Brits do know how to do a show/series right..

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Lindsay S On Monday, February 6 at 1:09 pm

We are tv junkies around our house, so we watch ALOT of tv. Here’s our entire schedule, including shows that return soon:

Sunday-Once Upon a Time, PanAm, Amazing Race
Monday: How I met your mother, the voice, Hart of Dixie, and will be trying out Smash
Tuesday: Biggest Loser, New Girl (by far my favorite show this year!) and Cougar Town (which is not really about cougars, but a hilarious group of friends. Try it. It’s awesome), White Collar
Wednesday: survivor, modern family, top chef, psych
Thursday: big bang theory, vampire diaries, secret circle, person of interest, project runway

So….yeah. We like tv. And TiVo is the greatest invention ever.

Linda W. On Tuesday, February 7 at 10:23 am

I’m glad you mentioned PanAm. We are really enjoying that show! Such a fun way to look at “history”!

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bluejeancowgirl On Monday, February 6 at 1:16 pm

I am another fan of Once Upon a Time and Revenge, but I have found that A Gifted Man seems to be quite entertaining. Another one that looks amazing is Touch with Kiefer Sutherland. First show was amazing! My die hard likes are NCIS and Castle. Love Castle!

Lynn L On Tuesday, February 7 at 6:17 am

Wondered when someone was going to mention Touch. Loved the first episode and can’t wait to see more!

Louise E. On Tuesday, February 7 at 8:32 am

Agreed. The first episode of Touch was really fascinating.

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Mary Casstevens On Monday, February 6 at 1:17 pm

I havent watched any of the new shows on TV. I have seen every episode of Friends and love it. Because you wrote a review of all of these programs I will be tuning in. I just wish you had put the times and channels on so I dont have to look them up. You made me want to find out more about them.

I love OUAT but we also like Person of Interest and I’m really chomping at the bit for that new show Awake on NBC to start March 1st. A guy is in a car accident and in real life his son survives and in his dreams his wife survives and he continues living his life with both but he never knows whether he’s awake or asleep. I can’t wait to see it!

Mountain Mama On Monday, February 6 at 3:12 pm

Whoa I hadn’t heard of that one… that sounds interesting!

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Marnie On Monday, February 6 at 1:22 pm

I love Once Upon a Time and want the Evil Queen’s/Mayor’s office!

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TiffH On Monday, February 6 at 1:24 pm

Revenge and Once Upon a Time have both become two shows I record every week, love them both. My most favorite is Downton Abbey though, last night I watched the first half of the Superbowl then said see-ya to hubby and went to the other room cuz Downton Abbey was on and period dramas are soooooo good. Also I think The Middle (ABC) is hilarious, it makes me laugh every week!

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Rae B On Monday, February 6 at 1:24 pm

I watch Friends re-runs every night. I’ve always loved that show. My new favorites comedies are How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and The Middle.

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NiCoCo On Monday, February 6 at 1:28 pm

I’m excited for The River to start Tuesday Night, it looks like it’s going to be a good one. I’m also excited for The Walking Dead to come back on soon. My all time favorite show is The Good Wife, now that football is over it will be on at a consistent time on Sundays, yay! I’ve recently heard good things about Downtown Abbey, so I’ll have to check that one out. I really love anything British, mostly so I can practice the accent, Jolly good fortune, Cheerio!

kellymarie On Monday, February 6 at 4:02 pm

I am also looking fwd to The River… does look good

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Claudine F On Monday, February 6 at 1:34 pm

My family is hooked on Switched At Birth on family channel. It’s the 2nd season so watch season 1 and icatch up. It’s a great mom and daughter show. One of my daughters watches Once upon a time but im coming in too late and ask her too many questions during the show…so i am banned from the room while she watches it. I personally like Homeland on Showtime. Great acting and intense! It’s a good mom and dad action drama about the CIA battling terrorism. I cannot wait until season 2. Now for those of us who enjoy a black comedy, I like Shameless on Showtime, it’s like a dysfunctional family show based on an alcoholic looser Dad and his many kids taken care of by his oldest daughter. May be too racy for most but I enjoy it.

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Heidi M. On Monday, February 6 at 1:36 pm

That’s so funny. I have every season of Friends on DVD and my husband and I watch a show every night before we go to bed. It’s like the period at the end of the day. We’ve been through the series a million times and it still hasn’t gotten old. I love Friends…

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Darlene On Monday, February 6 at 1:38 pm

Check out the pilot for TOUCH starring Keifer Sutherland – The series doesn’t start until March but this is going to be an amazing show. Also Danny Glover is in the cast.

As for my favorites; Big Bang Theory, Once Upon A Time, Revenge, The Finder, Bones, Burn Notice, Castle, Grimm, The Mentalist, Nakita, Person of Interest and just for some good ole sillyness Psych.

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Allyson On Monday, February 6 at 1:42 pm

Oh, how I miss Friends! I watched them when they originally on, watched reruns, and am now watching all of the episodes in order (I have all of the seasons on DVD). I put it on before bed and watch an episode or two. I’m at the end of season 8 and am already bummed that I’ve only got two seasons left.

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Melissa Willard On Monday, February 6 at 1:44 pm

The show that im absolutely in LOOOVE with is called TRUE BLOOD, it comes on HBO and is not for anyone under the age of 18.. possibly even 21 but its the best show i think i have ever seen. Its about vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, fairy’s, and all kinds of other fictitious creatures… to me it is like the adult version of twilight and a whole lot racier and well… grown up! i watch toonage all day long with the kiddos and enjoy my one show per week as me me me time LOL (it comes on Sunday nights at 9p on HBO, a new season starts this June but i highly recommend seeing it from the start or it would probably get a little confusing)

Kimberly On Tuesday, February 7 at 7:17 am

I love True Blood and will absolutely admit that it is nothing more than a soap opera with fangs. I do not care. Vampire Eric > Vampire Bill.

That being said, I think 17 or 18 is a good age frame to expose to that show, if they are interested. I am not sure that there is anything in the show that is more than a rated R movie.

There is a lot of sexual content, so if that is not your thing, check out another show.

Melissa Willard On Tuesday, February 7 at 10:25 pm

Yes… the vamps are lovely… but at the moment i am extreamly partial to Alcide (the were) rumor has it that him and Sookie gonna have allotta fun this up comming season… rumor also has it that Eric and Bill are gonna have bro-mance going on (dunno what i think about that) but im all up for Alcide and Sookie

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Aparna B. On Monday, February 6 at 1:52 pm

I TOTALLY watch the Friends mini marathons each night on Nick @ Nite! It’s awesome to re-live it all. that’s probably one of my favorite shows of all time. Still!

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Amber Howard-McGinnis On Monday, February 6 at 2:01 pm

I totally agree with you on: Revenge and Once Upon a Time. Thought they would be horrible, and I was pleasantly surprised.

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Melissa Willard On Monday, February 6 at 2:03 pm

oops lol i almost forgot… got into my blood and forgot about the show me and my daughter watch together on tuesday nights called dance moms… she takes dance and we enjoy the show.. the moms on there have lost their minds half the time and the coach is strict (i personally dont see how she teaches dance she cant do the moves herself) but itsn fun to watch and drama filled too

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Sherry Coleman On Monday, February 6 at 2:14 pm

My Christmas gift was an iPad, and I watched all the episodes of Revenge and Once Upon a Time online and became a huge fan of both shows. ABC was smart–I’ll bet I’m not the only viewer who got hooked that way!

In addition to those two shows, I love
Downton Abbey
Person of Interest
The Mentalist
Blue Bloods
Heart of Dixie
Cook’s Country
The Pioneer Woman

I’m rarely able to watch these shows at their designated times, but I keep my DVR busy. What a great invention!

47

Natalie On Monday, February 6 at 2:18 pm

My absolute favorite new show this season is Pan-Am! It’s so wonderful and different-not yet another cop drama (don’t get me wrong-I watch my fair share of those!) and I’m so sad because I keep hearing that it’s going to be cancelled!

Love The Pioneer Woman on Saturday – because I always wanted to be a cowgirl! And hey, cooking ain’t bad either!

So I guess I chose my shows on a personal basis. ??

Heather K On Tuesday, February 7 at 1:38 am

I got caught up in OUAT and am now addicted to watching it! And if you like friends, you should try out the How I Met Your Mother! Hilarious show!!

48

Kathy On Monday, February 6 at 2:19 pm

Absolutely obsessed with Downton Abbey!!!

Lauralee On Monday, February 6 at 3:09 pm

That makes two of us! OBSESSED to the max.

49

Amber On Monday, February 6 at 2:23 pm

I watch the reruns of Friends every night! I didn’t ever watch them before except when I was somewhere other than home because we didn’t have the channel. So, now I am experiencing Friends for the first time and love it!!

50

Caroline On Monday, February 6 at 2:24 pm

I’m loving Unforgettable, Body of Proof (Dana Delaney – Awesome!), and Alcatraz. They are all really great. I haven’t tried Once Upon a Time, yet, but it’s looking more and more like I need to give it a look.

51

Paulina J! On Monday, February 6 at 2:28 pm

I LOVE Castle on ABC (monday nights) and watch all the Thursday night shows on NBC!

janis On Monday, February 6 at 2:31 pm

Tory Anders On Monday, February 6 at 2:32 pm

Love your picks! Also, you have GOT to watch Grimm and Hart of Dixie!! These two shows are GREAT!!!

54

Amanda Bitter On Monday, February 6 at 2:36 pm

I love OUAT! I am always excited to watch it on Sunday nights. It is suspenseful and funny, and the writing is great. I also love Parks and Recreation and Up All Night. I always end up laughing a lot during both shows. Then there is my all time favorite, Bones! I absolutely love Bones and I can’t wait until it comes back from its winter break. It’s a little older (in its 7th season) but look out, because once you start watching you, you can’t stop!

55

zoom On Monday, February 6 at 2:37 pm

Add me to the list of Downton Abbey fans. Maggie Smith is laugh out loud funny as the Dowager Countess.

MJ On Monday, February 6 at 3:00 pm

“What is a…weekend?”

Jean On Monday, February 6 at 5:16 pm

Love Maggie Smith and the entire show. Also love The Good Wife and just discovered OUAT. Parks and Recreation has grown on me too.

I’m a huge fan of Revenge! Love it and can’t wait each week for the new episode!

Lauralee On Monday, February 6 at 3:11 pm

Had never watched it until this post. Just checked on Hulu for the episodes and yes, I can get caught up quickly! Was hooked after watching the Pilot.

57

Gerry On Monday, February 6 at 2:50 pm

I absolutely love Revenge! I agree with everything you just said about it, including the Lisa V. and Madeline S. contest. That was hilarious!

58

Melissa On Monday, February 6 at 2:53 pm

Absolutely LOVE Friends – watch it every day Revenge is definitely the new show that I’ve gotten into this year. I’m in awe of Madeleine Stowe.

59

MJ On Monday, February 6 at 2:57 pm

DOWNTON ABBEY…trust me, you’ll love it. Thought it was going to be stuffy and uptight at first BUT NO…it’s perfection. If you are not way into it by episode three (oh, Mr. Pamuk!) then you may need mental help. That is all.

60

Dottie On Monday, February 6 at 3:04 pm

Obviously I need to look up “Downton Abbey” – but I haven’t seen any mention of the fabulous lineup of shows that come and go on the USA Network – they have the oddest scheduling in that they split their seasons so you might catch the first half of a season in the fall, have a cliffhanger, and then not pick up the second half of the season for several months. Having said that, some of the shows are FABULOUS – my favorite being White Collar which is mid last-half of Season 3 right now – Tuesday, 10 PM on USA. (think the Thomas Crowne Affair comes to TV!) Another great one is Psych which will resume the season Wednesday Feb 29 at 10.

61

Amber On Monday, February 6 at 3:06 pm

Oh there are some good shows on now! Pan-Am, 2 Broke Girls, CougarTown, Revenge, Whitney, Up All Night, Modern Family, and Melissa – I love Dance Moms too! Abby Lee Miller is crazy, but I love it! I also watch Friends every night on Nick before I go to bed.

62

COCowgirl On Monday, February 6 at 3:07 pm

I would not have watched ONCE UPON A TIME on my own, but when a galpal I was visiting said she loved this show, I agreed to watch it because it was important to her. She poured us each a glass of wine and we sat down to watch the show and she narrated as we went along so I could figure out who’s who in the zoo. It’s a delightful and fun. I am hooked!

63

Colleen On Monday, February 6 at 3:08 pm

We’re not big TV people ’round here, but we’re hooked on Downton Abbey and Once Upon a Time. I might have to start on Revenge, you convinced me.

64

Avril On Monday, February 6 at 3:09 pm

Downton Abbey!! You must watch it. I don’t like most television, but this show had me captivated within 5 minutes. I’m obsessed… in a good way! (incidentally, so is my husband!)

65

Mountain Mama On Monday, February 6 at 3:09 pm

We’re fans of the NBC Thursday lineup… Parks & Rec, The Office, and Thirty Rock in particular, but a couple I HIGHLY recommend are Hell on Wheels and The Walking Dead (both on AMC). You have to get around all the (pretty realistic) gore in WD, but the storyline is pretty good. Hell on Wheels is amazing– great plot, great acting, costumes, and set, I like everything about this show.
We also watch Once Upon a Time, and I like it and will continue to watch, but I think it could be better. Some of the elements are kinda hokey in my opinion. But the storyline is good and it’s set in Maine, so…..

66

Kathy C. On Monday, February 6 at 3:10 pm

Oh Pioneer Woman! I love Revenge too. Have always like Emily VanCamp back to the Everwood Days and through Brothers & Sisters. It is one of my must sees every week.

67

Jan On Monday, February 6 at 3:12 pm

I love Once Upon a Time but I am even more excited that we can watch multiple nights of Big Bang Theory!!! I adore me some nerds…

68

Marin D On Monday, February 6 at 3:14 pm

It’s funny because Friends is my go to show. I love it when I am working in my craft room, or cleaning or trying to go to bed. I still laugh and love the the story lines!

69

Berta On Monday, February 6 at 3:20 pm

Revenge is one of my favorite shows in years.

I also am enjoying Grimm, Person of Interest, and Hell On Wheels. And, of course, Southland.

70

marylu2 On Monday, February 6 at 3:43 pm

Downton Abbey is wonderful. Maggie Smith steals every scene!
I could not resist Revenge.
I really liked Prime Suspect, but it was cancelled—too bad, Maria Bello and Brian O’Byrne were excellent.

71

laurah On Monday, February 6 at 3:43 pm

We try to watch only television that is family friendly like ‘The Voice’ and/or ‘Dancing With the Stars’.
With younger children in the house a parent has to be overly diligent in television viewing because some of the commercials are not okay even.

Marsha On Tuesday, February 7 at 6:14 am

Yay! Someone finally mentioned The Voice!!! We are total competition junkies in our house… missed it last year, but oh so glad DVR has entered our lives this year! We enjoy all the Food Network competition shows.. just had so much fun watching LDP knock out everybody on Guy vs. Rachel.

I have had the same obsession with Friends on Nick at Night since I was in the hospital this October. I have also seen every episode about a million times but it had been awhile since I watched them and I had forgotten just how funny they were and am addicted again. The other show I love to watch with a passion is Chopped on Food Network. My husband and I have so much fun trying to guess who will be “chopped.”

76

Vickie R On Monday, February 6 at 3:51 pm

I, too like OUAT and Grimm. Love Justified on FX. And I am still watching Friday Night Lights reruns on ESPN Classic.

Oh and I forgot my absolute favorite, even though the season is now over: Dexter. Who knew you could absolutely love a serial killer? The way they ended Season 6 has me dying. I don’t know if I can last until fall.

Pamc On Tuesday, February 7 at 9:17 am

I LOVE Dexter – and I can’t wait until fall!

79

jlwilmer On Monday, February 6 at 3:59 pm

Our household LOVES Once Upon A Time!!! Also love Person of Interest and The Mentalist!

My husband and I watch re-runs of Friends just about every night before bed also!!!

and SO looking forward to the new one The River and Touch which had a sneak peak last week which was good.

82

Nikki S. On Monday, February 6 at 4:23 pm

LOVE Once Upon a Time & Revenge! Never miss an episode of either!

I’m also addicted to:
2 Broke Girls
New Girl
Vampire Diaries
Glee (although, I still think the first season was the best)
Grey’s Anatomy
How I Met Your Mother
Cougar Town (SO ready for this next season to start!)

83

Derby On Monday, February 6 at 4:23 pm

Okay, I love Friends and I Iespecially love Downton Abbey but, I’ve read all the comments up to number 70 and, I can’t believe that no one has mentioned Modern Family!

84

Linda On Monday, February 6 at 4:33 pm

I agree with all the Downton Abbey replies. It is so good! The first season is available on Netflix streaming, and season 2 is on the PBS website to catch you up.

85

Chris On Monday, February 6 at 4:37 pm

“Downton Abbey”, reruns of “Brothers & Sisters” (I never watched when it was new), “White Collar” (really, all of the USA Network original series are so good), “Jane by Design” (cute little show on ABC Family),

86

K On Monday, February 6 at 4:47 pm

I’m really enjoying season 8 of House. The dialogue often makes me laugh out loud. It lost a little momentum last year but this year has been much better and reminds me of the earlier seasons. I still watch the earlier seasons when I can catch the reruns on the weekends at odd hours.

I also enjoy The Good Wife, Big Bang Theory and Modern Family when I remember to watch it.

I’m trying not spend so much time in front of the television so I’ve been avoiding some of the new shows so I don’t get hooked.

87

Foof On Monday, February 6 at 4:50 pm

Once Upon a Time is my favorite! I love Pan Am as well (especially the clothing). I just got hooked on Downton Abbey and will be playing catchup this week online.

These are some of my favorites too. The whole family loves watching Once Upon A Time! Another must-Downton Abbey.

89

cait On Monday, February 6 at 4:58 pm

Hi! Just wanted to say that I recently re-discovered Friends as well! It truly is so hysterical and funny and heartfelt and light-hearted and fun I hadn’t seen it in years, and am so glad to have found it again

MillieB On Monday, February 6 at 5:40 pm

I hate getting hooked on all these shows and then having them be cancelled. It drives me crazy. I’ll stick with my re-runs of Seinfield, King of Queens and Two and a Half Men.

94

Beth On Monday, February 6 at 5:50 pm

There are so many lines from Friends that are a part of my everyday existence and ever shall be. I don’t think I’ve moved a piece of furniture without yelling “Pivot!” either out loud or just in my head, for my own amusement. Still love that show!

95

Gigs On Monday, February 6 at 6:11 pm

I love Once Upon A Time and Grimm – both based on fairy tales and shows I thought I’d hate. And of course, Downton Abbey. I still love the Big Bang Theory and have really enjoyed catching up on the early episodes of Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother on TBS and Lifetime.

Carol On Monday, February 6 at 7:25 pm

I love Castle, the interplay between Castle and Kate is great. The writing is quick and smart. I’m into Once Upon a Time, too, enjoy the back and forth. I also like how they bring the fairy tale characters into the present.